Ditch the beach body, and love your lumps and bumps – Irish Times
When the sun is shining and a trip to the beach seems like a tempting way to spend a Saturday, it can be hard not to feel plagued by body-image issues.
This is exacerbated by controversial marketing strategies that tell people they need to get in shape in time for the good weather. But can these campaigns do more harm than good?
In a society where being thin is often portrayed as a prerequisite to happiness, it is perhaps no surprise that some people are developing unhealthy relationships with their bodies. In serious instances, body-image issues can develop into eating disorders or Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).
Tracy ONeill, a psychologist with Spectrum Therapy, believes we hold people to impossibly high standards, and says that the consequences can be severe.
A lot of people would present first with anxiety, but when you peel back the layers, youll find that there is a dysmorphia there, ONeill says. I would see people who might find that their anxiety about their appearance is socially crippling. It may hold them back from job interviews or from dating, for example. It might cause them to have a tendency towards social isolation.
But where do these issues come from? The media is often held accountable for perpetuating impossible ideals for both women and mens bodies. In 2015, one advert which depicted a woman wearing a yellow bikini with the tagline, Are you beach body ready? was banned in the UK. However, the responsibility is not just with mainstream media anymore.
Peer groups are to blame, as well as social media and filtered photographs, says ONeill. Everybody is just projecting perfection images instead of the gritty realities of stretch marks, lumps and bumps. Its pervasive everywhere: in the commercial world and media world.
Its amazing how an awful lot of people would equate their body with happiness, she continues. The images that people see get stuck in their heads, and while they might know that theyre not realistic, they get embedded in their psyche. If I had my way, Id keep people off social media entirely, because its an imbalanced view.
Dr Sean OConnell, who runs a private practice counselling service on Harrington Street, Dublin, says that in some cases, body image issues can develop into BDD.
Societally, there is an attitude that says, its now June, you have to have the perfect beach body. But thats an unrealistic standard when you think about the amount of energy and time that is involved in creating a healthy body. Were not talking about a perfect body, because thats leading into something unrealistic.
A healthy person is within their BMI, theyre somewhat content with their body, and they arent standing in front of the mirror for hours trying to fix themselves.
OConnell believes it is essential that we foster a society where people are kinder to themselves and reflect upon the way they treat themselves.
You see a lot of comments around self-esteem in the research, and in my mind, thats kind of an old buzzword. The new thing coming in is how you can be kinder and more compassionate to yourself. Because once you start being okay and comfortable and nurturing with your own vulnerability, then you can boost your own confidence.
But if you engage with the self-critic, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. It wastes your energy and it undermines you. Thats when you see people getting really anxious about things like going to the beach. The function of going to the beach, for me and a lot of people, is youre going out with family and friends, youre going to have fun. For something to come in and take from that rots away at the meaning of this activity.
He says we need to engage our critical thinking when we look at advertisements in order to improve our own relationships with our bodies.
Think about the function of something. Obviously, its an advert, so they want more customers. But if its at detriment to something like mental health, Id be having a think about what that means and the ethical responsibility of the company advertising that.
Bodywhys, Irelands eating disorder association, works to encourage healthier attitudes towards our own bodies. Fiona Flynn works as Youth Development Officer and part of her work is to teach media literacy to young people so they can be aware of the realities of retouching and photoshopping.
In 2015, we did focus groups and we asked young people to talk about body image and to talk about what we can do as an organisation to help young people have a more positive body image, says Flynn.
What came out of those conversations was that social media was the number one issue, and the media was number two. Young people today see more images of physical perfection in one day than their parents might have seen in their whole adolescent years, so that has an impact.
We see the same thing over and over; its the very slim look for girls and the very muscular look for males. Both of those are unrealistic and unachievable for people who are following a balanced, healthy lifestyle. To achieve those ideals, were talking about extreme weight loss or fitness approaches. Those extremes can lead to unhealthy weight loss behaviours, which could contribute to the development of an eating disorder.
The My World survey in 2013, which was carried out by Headstrong, found that body dissatisfaction was linked to higher levels of depression, alcohol and substance misuse, self-harm and suicide as well as eating disorders. Its really important to consider the impact that these messages are having, adds Flynn.
Is it even possible to have a healthy body image in a society that is obsessed with perfected images of idealised bodies?
Research suggests that we can learn to be happy with our bodies, but that we need to be more aware than ever of the role that social media and advertising play in fostering body image issues. Perhaps its time to ditch the beach body and learn to love our bodies instead.
As ONeill says: Its essential that people seek out a balanced view, because you never see perfection on a beach. You might see it in magazines, but you rarely see it real life. People should try to have a healthy perspective on whats normal and whats not. But, of course, that can be an elusive goal.
Visit link:
Ditch the beach body, and love your lumps and bumps - Irish Times
- Chris PowellExtreme Weight Loss Archives Chris Powell [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss Techniques - AskMen - AskMen - Men's ... [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Extreme Makeover Weightloss Edition Season 1 Episode 6 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Extreme Makeover Weightloss Edition Season 2 Episode 4 - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Vemma Bode Extreme Weight Loss Josh Steele Transformation - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Discover How to get an Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2014]
- Zach Galifianakis Shows Off Extreme Weight Loss At 'Birdman' Premiere [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2014]
- Chest Bumps are Dangerous EWLDBC - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2014]
- New-Somanabolic-Muscle-Maximizer 2014 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss Diets That Work - Is Preparation Necessary? - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2014]
- Loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy - what to do - Video [Last Updated On: November 12th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 12th, 2014]
- Can loose skin be tighten?-Bodyforward - Video [Last Updated On: November 14th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 14th, 2014]
- 8 Most Extreme Weight Loss Methods - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss Diet - Not For The Faint Of Heart - Video [Last Updated On: November 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 16th, 2014]
- EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS DIET SECRET - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- The Negative Side Effects Of Extreme Weight Loss Diets-Dr. Rashmi Bhatia(Dietitian) - Video [Last Updated On: November 21st, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 21st, 2014]
- day1 of three week extreme weight loss journey. 15 pound goal. - Video [Last Updated On: November 26th, 2014] [Originally Added On: November 26th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss Meredith Season 3 Episode 2loss weight - Video [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2014]
- Georgeanna Johnson: Extreme Weight Loss (Randy Robison / LIFE Today) - Video [Last Updated On: December 11th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 11th, 2014]
- Before and After Skin Removal Surgery and Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2014]
- Dana Saves his life - Weight-in and Reunion after Extreme Weight Loss 'Dana' black - Video [Last Updated On: December 15th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 15th, 2014]
- Extreme Weight Loss Competitor Shares Healthy Tips - Video [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2014]
- Trac's extreme weight loss - Video [Last Updated On: December 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 17th, 2014]
- Protein powder hot cocoa / chocolat / mocha ! Delicious treat for a cold winter day - Video [Last Updated On: December 17th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 17th, 2014]
- Watch Extreme Fat Loss (14 Days) - Extreme Weight Loss Methods - Video [Last Updated On: December 19th, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 19th, 2014]
- EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS DIET SECRET SHARED LOSE 15LBS IN 3 WEEKS DIET - Video [Last Updated On: December 22nd, 2014] [Originally Added On: December 22nd, 2014]
- Andi's Way Wheatgrass, Organic, grown with Natural Sunlight! - Video [Last Updated On: January 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 1st, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss After Show Season 4 Episode 3 Jayce | AfterBuzz TV - Video [Last Updated On: January 2nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 2nd, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Meredith ( Season 3 / Episode 2) - Video [Last Updated On: January 3rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 3rd, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Season 1 Episode 2 - Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Season 1 Episode 2 - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Season 1 Episode 2 - Part 1 - Video [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2015]
- Venus Factor - Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2015]
- EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS PLAN - Video [Last Updated On: January 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 8th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss I Simple Step and Tips I Quick Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2015]
- After Extreme Weight Loss, Face Lifting Procedures Restore Accelerated Facial Aging and Sagging - Video [Last Updated On: January 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 10th, 2015]
- 'Being Bobby Miller' - 'Show Me Your Powell Face' - 'Sp Ep 03' - Video [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2015]
- Extreme weight loss video application - Video [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss Metabolic cooking Fat loss Cookbook By KARINE LOSIER & DAVE RUEL - Video [Last Updated On: January 18th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 18th, 2015]
- Certified Weight Loss Coach|weightlossclubsworldwide|Extreme Weight Loss Coach - Video [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2015]
- BODY TRANSFORMATION & EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS WEEK 1 - Video [Last Updated On: January 24th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 24th, 2015]
- EWL6 Casting Intro - Holland & Kerry - Video [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2015]
- Hangout with the EWL6 Casting Team - Video [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2015]
- how to lose weight like extreme weight loss - Video [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss S04 E02 SE4 EP02 S4X2 S4 2 Kathie and Josh - Video [Last Updated On: February 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 1st, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - After Weight Loss. - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - "Journey" (Season 4 / Episode 7) - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2015]
- Top 10 : Extreme Weight Loss & Gain For Movie Roles [2015] - Video [Last Updated On: February 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 4th, 2015]
- Extreme weight loss pills (mass media) - Video [Last Updated On: February 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 5th, 2015]
- 80% HCA Garcinia Cambogia Extreme Weight Loss Formula - Video [Last Updated On: February 7th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 7th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss James Season 1 Episode 4 YouTube - Video [Last Updated On: February 8th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 8th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss Edition Casting - Video [Last Updated On: February 10th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 10th, 2015]
- watch extreme weight loss - Video [Last Updated On: February 11th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 11th, 2015]
- It's My Time! Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp Week 1 - Video [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2015]
- ABC'S Extreme Weight Loss Casting Wyomingites - Video [Last Updated On: February 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 14th, 2015]
- extreme weight loss tv show - Video [Last Updated On: February 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 15th, 2015]
- Shawnee Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: February 16th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 16th, 2015]
- Dozens vie for spot on "Extreme Weight Loss" - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2015]
- Extreme weight loss tips - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss Dana Season 1 Episode 3 - Video [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss Season 6 Casting - Video [Last Updated On: February 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: February 21st, 2015]
- Trainers talk Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2015]
- Level 1 at Extreme Weight Loss: Destination Boot Camp - Video [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2015]
- Kendra Wilkinson Shows Off Extreme Weight Loss in Two Chic Outfits - Video [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2015]
- Richard Neal Transformation Video - Extreme Weight Loss - Video [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2015]
- Extreme weight loss intro video - Video [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2015]
- Welcome to My Raw Food Extreme Weight Loss Journey- Day 1 - Video [Last Updated On: March 13th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 13th, 2015]
- Raw Food Extreme Weight Loss Day 2- Gratitude, Caterpillars, and Butterflies - Video [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2015]
- BEST Transform Class with Bob Brenner (March 11, 2015) - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2015]
- Raw Food Extreme Weight Loss- Day 3 What I Eat--Bringing My Food To Work - Video [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss: How to Lose 90lbs in 9 months - Video [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2015]
- Raw Food Extreme Weight Loss- Day 10 Weigh-In Wednesday - Video [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2015]
- Raw Food Extreme Weight Loss- Day 9 The Drinking (and Eating!) of the Green - Video [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2015]
- Raw Food Diet Extreme Weight Loss- Day 11 Kitchen Disasters - Video [Last Updated On: March 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 23rd, 2015]
- Raw Food Diet Extreme Weight Loss Day14- Inspiration and how my faith affects my raw food lifestyle - Video [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2015]
- Raw Food Diet Extreme Weight Loss- Day 17 Weigh In Wednesday! - Video [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2015]
- Raw Food Diet Extreme Weight Loss- Day 16 Eating Clean in A SAD World - Video [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2015]
- Extreme Weight Loss - Postal 2 #17 #LetsGrowTogether - Video [Last Updated On: March 27th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 27th, 2015]
- Raw Food Diet Extreme Weight Loss- Day 18 Dreaming of A Fruity and Salad Filled Springtime - Video [Last Updated On: March 29th, 2015] [Originally Added On: March 29th, 2015]